National Puppy Day calls attention to dog abuse, puppy mills

By John-Henry Perera |
March 21, 2014

National Puppy Day falls right on the cusp of spring, which means you're probably getting the sniffles just by reading this article. Here are some of the best and worst dogs for people with allergies.

Photo By Callalloo Candcy/Fotolia

Good choice: Poodles

Photo By Steve and Sandy Ferguson/PetsHouston

Good choice: Schnauzers

Photo By San Francisco Chronicle

Good choice: Portuguese water dogs

Photo By Steve Campbell/Chronicle

Good choice: Bichon frises

Photo By AP

Good choice: Soft-coated wheaten terriers

Photo By cynoclub/Fotolia

Bad choice: Cocker spaniels

Photo By Tilly Grassa/American Kennel Club

Bad choice: Irish setters

Photo By Mateusz Zagorski/Fotolia

Bad choice: Dachschunds

Photo By RICHARD HERTZLER/AP

Bad choice: Bassett hounds

Photo By Mary Bloom/American Kennel Club

Bad choice: German shepherd

It's National Puppy Day, according to very important people who can declare nationally-themed days.

Colleen Paige founded the special day, including other internationally recognized animal-themed holidays, according to her website.

" ... It's a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills, as well as further our mission for a nation of puppy-free pet stores."

For those not in the know, the ASPCA defines puppy mills as large-scale commercial dog breeding operations. Usually the dogs raised there are neglected and subjected to irresponsible breeding practices.